Mark Waugh accuses 'selfish' India of holding Test cricket back

Australian great Mark Waugh believes that India’s refusal to play day-night Test cricket is holding back the future of the game.

India remains one of only two Test-playing nations to not have played a day-night Test, the other being Bangladesh. Obviously the new entrants Ireland and Afghanistan are yet to play a Test under the lights.

Recently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had refused to play the long-awaited day-night Test match at the Adelaide Oval next summer against Australia.

In an interview to Sky sports Radio, Mark Waugh who has recently stepped down as Australia’s national selector, said that India’s refusal to play the day-night Test is not only disappointing but it is selfish as well.

“It’s a little bit selfish from India’s point of view because we need to revitalise Test cricket. Day-night Test cricket in some countries is going to be one of those ingredients that could transform Test cricket back to where it should be.”

The former Australian batsman who was concerned about the falling popularity of Test cricket around the globe feels that there are only few countries left where Test cricket is still alive in its pure form. “So it’s really only Australia, India and England where Test cricket is alive and well. For me that’s a concern,” said Waugh.

‘Junior’ added that given India’s depth, he fails to understand why the BCCI is so reluctant to go on with something which is the future of the game.

“Their team is pretty well suited to day-night cricket, they’ve got a string of fast bowlers, so they don’t just rely on the spinners and their batsmen are technically very good as well. So for the greater good of the game, I would have loved to have seen that as a day-night Test,” Waugh signed off.

Great to be back on board @FoxCricket with a quality line up of experts/commentators. Can’t wait for it all to start.

Just days back, Mark Waugh had quit as national selector to take up television commentary role as broadcaster for Fox Sports. Here is what he had to say when he decided to call it a day.

"Working alongside my fellow selectors, the coaching staff and players over the past four years has been a privilege, and I'm proud of the achievements of the Australian teams across all formats in this time. I firmly believe Australian cricket has a wealth of talented players in its ranks right now, and I look forward to watching the team continue to go from strength to strength in the years to come."